SALEM - Waterfowl hunters will have open access to 2,400 acres of private lands near Malheur National Wildlife Refuge through Dec. 31, 2014, along with improved access to about five thousand acres of refuge lands.

In return for public access, landowner Donald Opie has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Access and Habitat Program.

Because much of this area is in private lands where hunting is not allowed or in fee hunting operations, this agreement provides significant new public hunting opportunities for ducks and geese. In addition, the property also offers hunting for pheasants, mule deer and pronghorn.

The Access and Habitat Program is funded by a $2 surcharge on hunting licenses. Funds raised by the program are distributed through grants to individual and corporate landowners, conservation organizations and others for cooperative wildlife habitat improvement and hunter access projects throughout the state.
For information on the A&H Program call program coordinator Nick Myatt, 503-947-6087 or visit the Web site at www.dfw.state.or.us/AH/.